Chapter 3 A Lesson

Slap! Sherman's hand landed heavily across Ella's face. Her pale, delicate cheek instantly swelled, a vivid red mark forming as the crisp sound echoed sharply in the air. Jack's eyes widened in shock, and even the two bodyguards stood frozen in disbelief. Ella clutched her face, the sharp pain and humiliation driving her to the brink of madness. She let out a shrill scream. "How dare you hit me!" Sherman ignored her outburst, his gaze shifting to Jack. "Your granddaughter is out of control. She doesn't know how to respect others. I gave her a lesson for you. Do you have a problem with that?" Jack sighed bitterly. "I wouldn't dare object. Honestly, she has been spoiled rotten." "Grandpa! Kill him already!" Ella's voice was hysterical, almost unhinged. Her entire body trembled with rage—it was the first time in her life that someone had dared to strike her. "Enough!" Jack's roar carried a hint of martial artist authority, silencing her on the spot. "It seems I have indulged you far too much. Apologize to Mr. Lief immediately. If you don't, from this moment until you graduate college, you won't see another cent of pocket money. I'll freeze all your bank accounts, and you can figure out how to survive on your own—even if that means picking trash for a living!" Ella stared at Jack in disbelief. Never in her life had he reprimanded her so harshly. Jack's expression was icy, his tone absolute. She knew he wasn't bluffing—if she didn't comply, he would truly cut her off. "I'm sorry," she muttered reluctantly, her voice dripping with humiliation. Inside, however, her anger burned hotter. Just you wait! she thought furiously. When I get back, I'll make sure you pay for this! As she bowed her head, a flash of venomous hatred flickered in her eyes. Sherman waved dismissively. "Forget it. Engaging with someone like you would only tarnish my reputation." He turned to leave. Rumble! The low roar of helicopter blades filled the air as a chopper descended above them. The downdraft sent the surrounding trees swaying wildly and stirred up clouds of dust and debris. One of the bodyguards called out, "Support has arrived." Jack cupped his fists toward Sherman in a gesture of respect. "Sir, please allow me to take you back to my home so I can properly express my gratitude." Sherman raised an eyebrow. "You live in Riverton?" "Yes, I do." "Alright then. I'll hitch a ride. Drop me off near the Faraway Group headquarters." He didn't have much money on him and figured it was time to claim his rightful shares first. After that, he'd work on finding the girl with the Medicine King Bead. Jack was overjoyed. "Please, right this way!" Then he glanced at Ella, who stood there sulking. His voice softened. "What are you standing around for? Come on." Ella lowered her head and followed grudgingly. A few moments later, the helicopter roared to life, lifting them into the air, while the two bodyguards stayed behind to wait for the tow truck. Inside the helicopter, Jack occasionally struck up a conversation with Sherman, fishing for information. Unfortunately for him, Sherman had long been trained in the subtleties of social interaction by his master and revealed nothing of value. Ella, meanwhile, sat in the corner, her face sullen as she furiously typed a message on her phone: "Frank, didn't you say you wanted me to be your girlfriend? Do this one thing for me, and I'll say yes." In an opulent villa in Riverton, Frank Zimmerman lounged by his private pool. Two bikini-clad women attended to him, their giggles filling the air. Frank was the only son of Julius Zimmerman, the head of Faraway Group. Arrogant and lawless, Frank's reputation in Riverton was one of indulgence and cruelty. He had ruined countless young women's lives, even driving some to despair and worse. When his phone buzzed, he glanced at it lazily. His eyes lit up as he read the message, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Hahaha, finally! I've been waiting for this day!" Frank had been chasing Ella for a long time. It wasn't just her looks and figure that captivated him; more importantly, it was her family background. The Summers were leagues above the Faraway Group in terms of power and influence. Jack, once a mid-grade martial artist, had trained several disciples who now held prominent positions in business and politics. Even Jack's son was exceptionally talented. In the past, when Frank pursued Ella, she wouldn't spare him a glance. Frank immediately sent her a message: "Ella, just say the word. Whatever you want done, I'll make it happen!" It didn't take long for her reply to come through: "I was bullied by some disgusting savage. He'll be at Faraway Group in about 30 minutes. When he gets there, break his arms and legs for me." Frank's eyes gleamed with excitement. He shot up from his seat and barked at the two bikini-clad women lounging by his side, "Get me my clothes!" Without missing a beat, he made a call. Faraway Group secretly maintained a group of enforcers, and with one command, over a dozen of them were mobilized. Swaggering with confidence, Frank headed straight for Faraway Group. Half an hour later, a helicopter landed on Faraway Group's rooftop. Jack had already informed Julius of the situation, who had readily agreed—it was a small matter and an easy favor to grant. Sherman rappelled down a rope and swiftly landed. Jack called out, "Take care, sir!" Ella, her face twisted in malice, quickly sent another message to Frank. By this time, Frank and his crew had already reached the building's lobby. The moment he received her update, he led his men upstairs at once. Meanwhile, in his office, Julius instructed his secretary, "Let's head to the rooftop." If Jack himself had escorted someone, that person must have significant clout. Sherman took a deep breath and frowned slightly. "The air quality here is awful." He glanced around, then started toward the main entrance. Clang! Before he could reach it, the doors burst open with a loud crash. More than a dozen burly men stormed out, surrounding Sherman in an instant. Frank followed behind them, stepping in last with an air of arrogance. His eyes scanned Sherman, and a look of disdain and disgust crossed his face. "So you are a filthy savage. Go ahead, break his arms and legs." Sherman's expression remained calm and composed. "Who are you people? As far as I know, I haven't crossed anyone." Frank sneered. "You offended my girlfriend, and now you're going to pay the price, little savage!" Sherman's mind immediately went to Ella. He hadn't expected her to stoop this low—there was no saving someone so far gone. "You'd better back off," Sherman said evenly. "I don't like hurting people." As a doctor, his priority was to save lives, not harm them. His words were met with uproarious laughter from the group. "Hahaha!" "Did I hear him right?" "This guy's brain must be fried!" Frank joined in the laughter, but his face turned dark once it subsided. "Enough! Take him down already—I've got a girlfriend to get to!" The thought of Ella's stunning figure and innocent face sent a thrill through him. At Frank's command, the group pulled out telescoping batons from their pockets. With menacing glares, they charged at Sherman, swinging their weapons with full force. "I gave you a chance," Sherman said coldly, his eyes sharp. "But since you wasted it, don't blame me for what happens next." He was just about to make his move when a thunderous voice rang out. "Stop!"